Looking for a copy of TSB SIM 12-03-11 relating to leaks in the fuel vapor system. I've got a recurring P0456 code (small leak in tank vapor system) that the dealer hasn't been able to sort out on my 2012 Mini Cooper S.

It looks like this TSB may be relevant, so I'm looking to either try the fix myself or beat the service department about the head with it (figuratively)

Thanks for any help.

Tom

 

What have they replaced / tried?
The SIM-12-03-11 refers to replacing the tank ventilation valve being in the stuck open positions, along with an incorrectly installed filler pipe to the tank.

- Erik

 

Yes, I can see that from the brief description. I'd like to get the details so that I can either fix it myself (I'm a decent shade tree mechanic) or more accurately explain to the dealership what I want done.

The vent valve was replaced on the first visit and that didn't fix it. Second visit they did a whole bunch of smoke testing, didn't find anything, and replaced the gas cap. At this point I may push them to replace the DMTL pump but I'd like to get the details on the TSB first.

 

The TSB comes directly from MINI USA / international themselves.
How wouldn't they know what the procedures / steps involved?

With you being under warranty, and an open TSB, I'd still allow the dealership to make factory approved changes.
If you were to tackle the replacement yourself and should it still be a failure point, you're now fully reliable for such.

I be very surprised if you can simply suggest a part, that hasn't been tested, and claim its defective and the dealership goes along replacing it.
I'd have the service manager be on the phone with MINI USA to see what's been done elsewhere on other affected vehicles (since you're not the only one).

- Erik

 

Unfortunately none of that answers my question. I do a lot of work on my own cars and would like to know the full TSB content ahead of time so I can have an intelligent and informed discussion with the service department.

I've already had it in twice for this and am still having problems. I will most likely take it in again rather than doing the fix myself, but I would prefer to know what's in this particular TSB ahead of time so I do not get jerked around and/or have to make additional visits.

Believe me: if they can't fix this after three visits, I'm going to be more than comfortable to start asking them to replace parts that may not test bad as this is an intermittent problem. If they cannot find a leak anywhere it is quite plausible that the DMTL pump is intermittently bad.

 

Sorry, there's no more other information to be found from the net... if you need more, time for yourself to do some research.
I've supplied a lot of good starter point outlined below:

Then call MINI USA in New Jersey and ask...
But no manufacturer is going to come out directly and give detailed info to public domain; you're gonna have to dig.

Have you directly talked to the service manager and ask for him/her to explain the full extent of what it entails?
Or why it wasn't a first replacement fix? Obviously you need to stir some answers with some heavier hitting questions.

- Erik

 

Just curious, Erik: do folks ever refer to you as Captain Obvious?

I did dig. Most of the full Mini TSBs are available: if you search this site you can find the link yourself. Unfortunately this one is more recent so it is not in the archive, which is why I'm asking.

Most manufacturers DO make TSBs available to mechanics and to the public. For example, I had all the complete TSBs for my wife's Audi: I got them through AllData.com. Unfortunately BMW is one of the manufacturers that doesn't go this route and makes them tough to find.

So if anyone has a copy of this, I'd appreciate it as it would be helpful.

 

I get the occassional "Fluffy" every now and again...

I understand; and believe it when I say I've did the exact searching and come to sites that require payment to continue to read.
There's AutoMD.com, the NHTSA website, CarComplaints.com, and others that say they "may have it"...

Yet, this EVAP problem isn't all that new; if you search the archives for 2010 thru 2012+ owners, you'll see some have had EVAP components replaced.
The replacements have been spotty as best as some owners have had issues, and others haven't.

I just called my local dealer and they are pulling information on such; hopefully to have something tomorrow.

See if Evil Ken was in the same boat as you:
* https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...0456-code.html

- Erik

 

Yeah, I saw that thread. Sounds like he went through the same painful iterations as me. Unfortunately he never said if the new pump fixed the problem, but one can hope.

If you do find out anything it would be a huge help. I'm planning to have a discussion with the service manager when I take it in again, but I always prefer to have as much data beforehand as possible.

Sigh. I've got two old Alfas so I'm used to dealing with leaks and electrical problems, but I'd kind of hoped the new car would be free of those sorts of issues for a bit!

 

I emailed him, and it turns out the new DMTL pump fixed it for Evil Ken, so that's a useful bit of information.

Would still like details on that TSB if anyone has it, though. Car's going back in on Monday.

 

So, they did the TSB procedure (whatever it was), replaced the purge valve again, and still had a reported leak. They ended up replacing the DMTL pump as I had suggested and it *appears* to be fixed. Guess I'll know for sure in a month or two if it doesn't come back.

They logged this issue with Mini as the DMTL pump wasn't throwing any diagnostic codes but appeared to be leaking internally.

 

I hope this is the fix you need and you have no more problems.
I heard that the newly signed Transportation Bill will require manufacturers to supply the Dept of Transportation with all TSBs.The DoT will them make them available to the public.
I hope this happens soon.
I like to have information in order to make informed decisions or to at least understand why a procedure is being recommended. I recently questioned something the SA could not answer and I ended up supplying her with the TSB! At least we were then literally on the same page.

 

I just got this p0456 code after a tune and wanted to know what is a "DMTL pump"? Thanks, I checked all the usual gas cap loosening and hoses.

 

The DMTL pump is a pump that pressurizes the vapor in the fuel tank to monitor for leaks in the fuel vapor system. P0456 can be a leak anywhere in the vapor system. In my case it was a bad pump.

 

Gubi,

Wish I could be more help. You may already have this, but this is all that is available on the NHTSA site for TSB.

It is not much, compared to others that are on MINI letterhead but here you go.